Bachelor of Speech Pathology

Version

6

Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements

Students of non English speaking backgrounds must have an adequate English language capacity assessed under the Australian International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The IELTS score required for admission to this course can be found in Schedule I of the JCU Admissions policy.

Post admission requirements

Hepatitis B immunisation:

Students must provide evidence of being immune to hepatitis B within the first teaching period of their studies. A blood-borne viral disease may result in a student’s inability to obtain a placement in a Queensland Health facility and consequently may result in their inability to complete the requirements of the course as accredited by the relevant professional accrediting body. If a student has not complied with the above requirement by the last day of the first teaching period of their studies, their enrolment will be terminated immediately.

Suitability to Work with Children Card (blue card):

This course includes prescribed professional or clinical placements that may involve contact with children under 18 years of age. Students are required to obtain a Suitability to Work with Children Card (which involves a criminal history check undertaken by the Queensland Police) before the start of the first placement. Students must retain a current Suitability to Work with Children Card for the duration of their course, as failure to do so will result in the termination of their admission to the course.

For more information, refer to: https://www.bluecard.qld.gov.au

Current Apply First Aid and CPR Certificate:

Candidates must hold a current First Aid Certificate before undertaking professional or clinical placements.  Candidates are responsible for any costs associated with obtaining this certificate.

Some professional/clinical placement agencies may require that candidates hold an advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate before undertaking a professional or clinical placement. Candidates are responsible for any costs associated with obtaining this certificate.

Australian Federal Police check:

This course includes prescribed professional or clinical placements.  Some placement agencies may require students to produce a current Australian Federal Police check. This is in addition to the requirements for a Blue Card. If requested, students must provide written confirmation of clearance to the Clinical Placement Officer prior to commencement of clinical placement.

Application documents can be accessed at:

Australian Federal Police

Course learning outcomes

The James Cook University Bachelor of Speech Pathology will prepare graduates to meet the Competency-Based Occupational Standards (CBOS: 2011) for speech pathology, as defined by Speech Pathology Australia.

On successful completion of the Bachelor of Speech Pathology, graduates will be able to:

• Integrate and adapt a broad and coherent body of theoretical and technical knowledge in diverse contexts as an entry level speech pathologist

• Review professional and ethical frameworks, including the Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics and underlying principles and concepts to inform responsible and accountable professional behaviours

• Retrieve, critically evaluate and apply evidence in speech pathology and inter-professional practice

• Assess children and adults with communication and swallowing disorders, and formulate, implement and evaluate management plans, in consultation with clients, families and other professionals

• Provide diverse services to support client needs including supervision and training of non-speech pathology personnel working directly with clients, and preventative, educational and/or promotional programs in collaboration with client groups and other professionals

• Provide sensitive and effective speech pathology services, to culturally and linguistically diverse populations, including Indigenous Australian, tropical, rural and remote communities

• Communicate clearly and coherently through well-developed English language and numeracy proficiency, appropriate for entry into the speech pathology workforce

• Reflect on current knowledge, skills, attitudes and practices, and plan continuing professional development to ensure the capacity to deliver current best practice.

Townsville

Maximum time to complete

8 years

Course includes mandatory professional placement(s)

Clinical placement/professional practice:

This course includes prescribed professional or clinical placements. Students may be required to undertake such placements away from the campus at which they are enrolled, at their own expense. (Note: health professional courses generally involve extensive professional or clinical placements).

Further information about placements can be found at Enrolment Policy – Coursework Students

Accreditation requirements

Nil

Supplementary exam for final subject

Not applicable

Maximum allowed

63 credit points

Expiry

Advanced standing gained for any subject shall be cancelled 18 years after the date of the examination upon which the advanced standing is based if, by then, the candidate has not completed this course.

Exit with lesser award

Not applicable

Eligibility

Embedded honours

At the start of level 3, the Head of School will invite applications for honours.

Candidates must have obtained a GPA of not less than 5.0, calculated over the subjects completed for levels 1 and 2 of the program.

A quota may be imposed on the number of candidates accepted for entry to the honours course depending on the availability of supervisors.

Graduate entry honours

Successful completion of a pass degree in Speech Pathology

• Normally candidates will have achieved a GPA of not less than 5.0 calculated over the four levels of the pass degree.

• Candidates professional experience and continuing  professional development will be also be considered in their application.

Candidates may be required to undertake work additional to the pass degree before commencing honours.